Description

Garlic Bread Pasta is a comforting Italian-American dish that transforms simple spaghetti into a flavorful meal by combining it with a garlicky butter sauce and crispy garlic bread crumbs. It’s an easy-to-make vegetarian main course perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy meal.

Ingredients

For the Pasta

8 ounces spaghetti or linguine
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
6 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Salt to taste
Freshly ground black pepper to taste

For the Topping

1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably from garlic bread or toasted with garlic)

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Instructions

Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti or linguine and cook until al dente according to package instructions, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
Prepare the garlic butter mixture: In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil and butter until melted and combined. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant but not browned, stirring regularly to prevent burning.
Toast the breadcrumbs: Add the breadcrumbs to the skillet and stir frequently for 2 to 3 minutes until they turn golden and become crisp. This adds texture and enhances the garlic flavor.
Toss the pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat the strands in the garlic-butter mixture. If the pasta looks dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce and help it cling to the noodles.
Add cheese and parsley: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley evenly. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, mixing well to combine all flavors.
Serve: Plate the pasta warm, garnishing with additional breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese if desired, for extra crunch and flavor.

Notes

For a richer flavor, use garlic bread crumbs made by toasting leftover garlic bread in the oven and pulsing it into coarse crumbs.
Add sautéed mushrooms or grilled chicken to increase protein content and make the dish heartier.
Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese rather than pre-grated for optimal flavor and texture.
Adjust red pepper flakes according to your spice preference.